The Prime Minister, Mr Whitlam, announced today a program of action for 1975 aimed at reducing current pressures from import competition on employment in certain industries.

The Prime Minister said this action followed a recent review of import trends undertaken by himself, the Deputy Prime Minister, Dr Cairns, and the Minister for Manufacturing . Industry, Mr Enderby.

The Prime Minister said it was clear that high levels of imports were contributing to problems of unemployment in those industries sensitive to import competition. It was important that manufacturers and importers who were planning their activities for

1975 be aware of the Government's concern with recent trends, and the Government's intentions in relation to imports during 1975.

The Prime Minister went on to say that the program of action decided upon would be based on a selective review of those industries with demonstrable import problems. The review would be undertaken through the machinery and procedures, provided under the Industries Assistance Commission Act. A program of references would be sent to the Temporary Assistance Authority and the Textiles Authority during the next month. This would ensure that reports would be received and action taken

by February.

The Government was determined to use to the full the system and the machinery it had created to deal with such problems. The integrity of the system would be maintained.

The Prime Minister said that, consistent with the provisions establishing the Temporary Assistance Authority, new appointments would be made to the Temporary Assistance Authority to enable it to undertake enquiries promptly. In addition, the Department of Manufacturing Industry had been instructed to provide full assistance to manufacturers to help them prepare

cases for consideration for references to the Temporary Assistance Authority.